Today, we’re diving into the world of Iams dog food to determine if it’s the right choice for your furry friend. Our focus will be on the Iams So Good product line, which offers three different dry dog food recipes. We’ll examine each recipe’s AAFCO nutrient profile, found on the official webpage, to see if it meets the standards for Growth, Maintenance, All Life Stages, Supplemental, or Unspecified.
The Iams So Good Wholesome Blends come in three tempting flavors: Beef, Salmon, and Chicken. For this review, we’ve chosen Iams So Good Wholesome Blends with Chicken as our representative.
It’s worth noting that some Iams dog food recipes contain chicken byproduct meal, which might not suit every dog’s dietary needs. However, with an array of food formulas available, Iams best suited for your pet can be found by exploring different options.
So, is Iams a good dog food? Read on to find out.
Interested in comparing dog foods? See how Pedigree dog food stacks up to the competition.
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| Method | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
| Guaranteed Analysis | 25% | 14% | NA |
| Dry Matter Basis | 28% | 16% | 49% |
| Calorie Weighted Basis | 24% | 33% | 43% |
Ingredients: Ground yellow corn, chicken by-product meal, soybean meal, animal fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols, a source of vitamin E), chicken, corn gluten meal, chicken flavor, dried beet pulp, calcium carbonate, salt, potassium chloride, choline chloride, dicalcium phosphate, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, ascorbic acid, vitamin A acetate, calcium pantothenate, biotin, thiamine mononitrate (source of vitamin B1), vitamin B12 supplement, niacin, riboflavin supplement (source of vitamin B2), inositol, pyridoxine hydrochloride (source of vitamin B6), vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid), minerals (ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, potassium iodide), brewers dried yeast, dried apple pomace, dried carrots, dried peas, l-tryptophan, dried spinach, dried tomatoes, rosemary extract
Ingredients Found: Ground yellow corn, chicken by-product meal, soybean meal, animal fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols, a source of vitamin E), chicken, corn gluten meal, chicken flavor, dried beet pulp, calcium carbonate, salt, potassium chloride, choline chloride, dicalcium phosphate, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, ascorbic acid, vitamin A acetate, calcium pantothenate, biotin, thiamine mononitrate (source of vitamin B1), vitamin B12 supplement, niacin, riboflavin supplement (source of vitamin B2), inositol, pyridoxine hydrochloride (source of vitamin B6), vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid), minerals (ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, potassium iodide), brewers dried yeast, dried apple pomace, dried carrots, dried peas, l-tryptophan, dried spinach, dried tomatoes, rosemary extract
The primary ingredient in this Iams dog food is corn, a cost-effective yet controversial cereal grain. While corn provides energy, its overall nutritional value for dogs remains modest. Due to these factors, corn isn’t typically considered a top-choice ingredient in dog food.
Following corn, the second ingredient is chicken by-product meal, a dry and processed form of leftover chicken parts after prime cuts are removed. This by-product meal can consist of various chicken parts such as organs, feet, beaks, and even undeveloped eggs – with feathers being the only exception.
On a positive note, chicken by-product meal is a meat concentrate containing nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken. It also supplies all the essential amino acids a dog requires. However, since it is a more affordable and lower-quality ingredient, some pet owners might be cautious when it comes to including chicken by-products in their dog’s diet.
The third ingredient in this Iams dog food is soybean meal, a by-product of soybean oil production that is more commonly found in farm animal feeds. Although soybean meal has 48% protein, it generally has a lower biological value compared to meat.
It’s important to note that plant-based products like soybean meal can significantly increase the total protein content displayed on the label. Therefore, considering the actual meat content in dog food is crucial when evaluating its quality.
The fourth ingredient is animal fat, a generic by-product obtained through the rendering process used to create meat meals. Since there’s no mention of a specific animal source, this ingredient’s origin remains uncertain. It could come from various sources, such as roadkill, spoiled supermarket meat, dead or diseased cattle, or even euthanized pets.
Due to the uncertainty surrounding its origin, generic animal fat is not considered a high-quality ingredient. When choosing dog food, it’s essential to thoroughly analyze the ingredients and consult with a veterinarian to ensure it meets your pet’s nutritional needs.
The fifth ingredient in Iams dog food is chicken, a high-quality item. However, raw chicken consists of around 80% water, which is significantly reduced after cooking. Consequently, the actual chicken content in the finished product might be lower than expected.
The sixth ingredient, corn gluten meal, is the rubbery residue left after removing most of the starchy carbohydrates from corn. Although it contains 60% protein, it’s likely to have a lower biological value compared to meat. Similar to other plant-based products, corn gluten meal can inflate the total protein content on the label, so considering the actual meat content is essential when evaluating dog food.
After the chicken flavor, beet pulp is found, which is a high-fiber by-product of sugar beet processing. While some criticize it as a cheap filler, others praise its intestinal health and blood sugar benefits. Including beet pulp in moderate amounts is generally acceptable in most dog foods.
The ninth ingredient is calcium carbonate, a dietary mineral supplement.
Although several other items are listed, their positions on the list suggest they have a minimal impact on the overall rating of the product.
Five notable exceptions include brewers yeast, a by-product of beer-making that is rich in minerals and healthy nutrients. While some argue it can cause allergies or increase the risk of bloat, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to support these claims.
Unless a dog is specifically allergic to it, brewers yeast can be considered a nutritious additive. However, it contains about 48% protein, which should be factored in when judging the actual meat content.
Furthermore, the dog food contains apple pomace, which provides fiber; dried peas, a good source of carbohydrates and fiber but also high in protein; and no mention of probiotics for digestion.
Lastly, the minerals in the dog food are not chelated, making them harder to absorb and typically associated with lower-quality dog foods.
Based on the ingredients alone, Iams So Good Dog Food appears to be a less-than-ideal dry dog food option.
However, it’s important to remember that focusing on ingredient quality alone doesn’t provide the full picture. We must also evaluate the product’s meat content before arriving at a conclusive rating.
The data reveals a dry matter protein content of 23%, a fat level of 11%, and an estimated carbohydrate content of roughly 58%.
Collectively, the Iams So Good Dog Food brand showcases an average protein content of 23% and an average fat content of 11%. These figures imply a carbohydrate content of 58% across the entire product line.
This results in a fat-to-protein ratio of approximately 48%.
Compared to typical dry dog food, Iams So Good has a below-average protein content and below-average fat content, with an above-average carbohydrate content.
Taking into account the protein-boosting effects of soybean and corn gluten meals, as well as dried peas, it seems that this kibble may contain only a modest amount of meat.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is a great alternative to Iams Dog Food, known for its high-quality ingredients that provide a well-balanced diet for your furry companion. This dog food contains essential fatty acids, which help support healthy skin and coat, as well as a blend of fruits and vegetables to ensure your dog receives the necessary nutrients for optimal health.
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice for both adult and senior dogs, offering a recipe that focuses on high-quality animal protein sources for healthy digestion. Additionally, this dog food contains fiber and prebiotics to promote a healthy gut, making it a fantastic alternative to Iams Dog Food for pets of all ages.
For pet owners seeking a grain-free option, Orijen Original Dry Dog Food is a top contender. This recipe features farm-raised chicken as its primary protein source and is rich in protein to support muscle development. Suitable for all breed puppies and adult dogs, Orijen’s dedication to quality makes it a worthy alternative to Iams Dog Food.
The Farmer’s Dog offers a unique approach to dog food by providing fresh, real ingredients tailored to your dog’s individual nutritional needs. As a convenient alternative to Iams Dog Food, The Farmer’s Dog delivers customized, fresh dog food recipes straight to your door, ensuring your pet enjoys a meal that promotes healthy skin, coat, and digestion.
Merrick Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice for pet owners looking for a grain-free option that emphasizes real chicken and sweet potatoes in the recipe. With the inclusion of dried beet pulp, this dog food supports healthy weight maintenance and digestion. Merrick also provides wet dog food options, allowing for variety in your dog’s diet while avoiding Iams Dog Food.
Iams So Good is a plant-based dry dog food that primarily uses chicken by-product meals as its main source of animal protein, resulting in a 2-star rating for the brand.
It’s essential to note that some recipes may receive a higher or lower rating based on our estimation of their total meat content and, when relevant, their fat-to-protein ratios.
The following list, if available, includes all dog food recalls related to this product line since 2009. If no recalls are mentioned in this section, it means we have not reported any incidents yet.
Iams and Eukanuba Dog and Cat Food Recall (8/14/2013)
Iams Withdraws Shakeables Brand Dog Treats (3/21/2013)
Iams Recalls Puppy Food (12/6/2011)
Iams Recall Mysteriously Removed by Retailer (11/27/2011)
Eukanuba and Iams Dog Food Recall (8/1/2010)
To see a comprehensive list of all dog food recalls sorted by date, you can visit our website. Alternatively, you can view the same list organized alphabetically by brand.
When considering the question, “Is Iams a Good Dog Food?”, it’s essential to weigh the factors carefully. Although Iams may provide adequate nutrition for some pets, the Iams So Good Dog Food line falls short with its reliance on plant-based ingredients and limited animal protein content. Therefore, it’s not a recommended choice for dog owners looking for the best nutrition for their furry companions.
Instead, explore other dog food alternatives that prioritize high-quality animal protein sources, natural ingredients, and well-rounded nutrition. Brands like Blue Buffalo, Wellness Complete Health, and Orijen provide excellent options for pet owners who wish to prioritize their dogs’ health and well-being.
By choosing a better dog food alternative, you can ensure your beloved pet receives the nourishment they need for a happy and healthy life.
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